Prime Minister Raila Odinga Monday led a section of the cabinet to Kisii in an open day to create awareness among the public on what the ministries were doing in delivering service to the people.

In a rare occurrence, the ministers answered questions from the public giving an account of development projects their individual ministries were undertaking in the larger Kisii region.

Odinga reiterated that there was synergy in the coalition government and dismissed the notion that coalition partners are working at cross purposes.

Addressing a leaders' meeting at St. Vincent Catholic Centre, the Prime Minister said the coalition government was now more accountable to the people who are the tax payers and would encourage more such interactions so that wananchi are informed on how their taxes are used.

Said the PM, "We have indeed changed the way ministries are run and now ministers must account for their work to the people publicly as today."

Vision 2030

He said with focused leadership Kenya had the potential to be a newly industrialized country as envisaged in Vision 2030.

"We should not compare ourselves with failed countries in this region since we have the potential to be among the best in the world," he said.

Noting that Kenyans must have a sense of direction, the Prime Minister said it was unfortunate that Kenya's economy had retrogressed rapidly since independence when it was at par with countries like South Korea whose economy he said, is now forty times that of Kenya.

Raila pointed out that in the recent budget the funds which were devolved to the grassroots was meant to empower communities economically and called on those entrusted with disbursement of the funds to ensure that they were well utilized.

"We want contracts for all government projects to be given to the local people so that money can circulate among the people," he said.

The Prime Minister said the reform agenda was on course and singled out reforms in the police force saying the committee appointed to look into police reforms would hand over its report next month.

development projects

Answering questions from the public, the ministers made a raft of promises of development projects to be undertaken or those that have already commenced in the region.

Minister for roads Franklin Bett announced that Ksh 180 million had been allocated for the construction of roads in the 13 districts in the Gusii region this financial year.

"This has raised the money allocated to every constituency from Ksh 17 million in the last financial year to Ksh 18 million this year," he said.

Industrialization Minister Henry Kosgey said pineapple and banana factories would be built in Kisii town to enable farmers to add value to their products for export.

"We are also looking into the possibility of putting up a soapstone factory in this area," he said.

The Minister for Water and Irrigation Charity Ngilu disclosed that Ksh 170 million had been set aside to improve water supply in Kisii Town.

"This will entail the construction and expansion of Bunyunyu dam on river Gucha to increase water supply to this town," she said.

Medical services Minister Anyang Nyong'o said the Kisii district hospital will be upgraded to a referral hospital while sub district hospitals will become district hospitals.

Mr. Nyong'o who is also the secretary general of ODM said the party had not chosen any candidate for the forthcoming by-election in Bomachoge constituency and that the party candidate will be elected democratically by members next week.

Mr. Chris Obure of public works said the ministry would build new offices in all the 13 districts in Kisii beginning this financial year.

Fisheries Minister Paul Otuoma said the government had set aside Ksh 1 billion for fish farming in the country and that the 10 constituencies in Kisii would get Ksh 8 million each for fish farming.

The Minister for regional development Fred Gumo asked the youth to take their rightful place in the society saying they should not expect to be rewarded for doing nothing.